Mrs. Claus likes everything perfect. Here are some ideas...
Of course, Santa loves to make a grand entrance. Some children, or parents, like the anticipation of Santa’s visit and some like to be surprised! Either way, let Santa know ahead of time.
The excitement can be overwhelming and sometimes children may even cry. Directing their attention to Mrs. Claus helps them to be unafraid. Later, they may warm up to Santa or they may be more comfortable staying with me. We do not wish for any child to be afraid or cry.
Santa and I have so much fun we sometimes forget that Santa needs to return to the Workshop to make more toys. Neither of us owns a watch, so please help us by watching the time.
YOUR CHILD'S SPECIAL TIME WITH US
...and our special time with them!
Santa and I love to visit with each child.
When your child first sits with us, we ask that the parents allow this special time for your child to interact directly with us. These few moments also allow me to fuss a bit with their hair and straighten their clothes for the pictures. This is also the time for those magical photos of your child and us looking directly at each other.
This all helps the children, and the parents, relax. The photo opportunities are amazing. Then Santa will ask for their Christmas wishes.
After hearing each child's Christmas wishes, Santa will invite everyone to smile and look directly at the camera for the "Perfect Christmas Picture!"
Keep taking pictures, and/or videos, the whole time!
CHAIRS FOR SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS
Big comfy chairs will just put Santa to sleep! The best are two simple, straight-back chairs with no arms. Even folding chairs work well. Santa sits to my left. We usually bring two simple, Christmas-red seat cushions. Place another chair to my right and I will drape my cape over the back, place my muff on the seat, and if there are candy canes, they can set there also!
GATHERING TOGETHER
If time will allow, and before the children have their special, personal time with Santa and myself, I will ask the children to gather in front of us. Then we will invite the children to sing some of Santa's favorite songs - Jingle Bells and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And if there is time, we will answer all the questions that only a child's imagination can contemplate.
Santa always enjoys reading his favorite story, “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” He loves to show the beautiful illustrations from the book I gave him one Christmas. Sometimes I will read a very special letter written by a little girl a very long time ago, “Yes Virginia, There is A Santa Claus.”
Then Santa will invite each child to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. He never promises a specific gift, but he always promises each child a very special Christmas surprise.
Sometimes, there are presents that cannot wait until Christmas morning. Santa and I will hand out those presents, and if time allows, each child will open them while sitting with us. Photos from these moments are treasures. Talk with Santa before our visit about gifts the children will open that evening.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, SANTA!
The elves suggest decorating your background to be perfect for Christmas memories. One idea from Santa is to decorate as you remember your home when you were a child. Not all phones and cameras work well with Christmas tree lights and background windows. Try your camera before our visit to eliminate glares and distractions.
If our visit is on-screen, here are a few additional ideas:
To see us:
You can use a phone or computer to see us. A big-screen TV connected to your computer or phone will work well if there are more than a few gathered.
For us to see you:
Your computer or phone probably has a camera, but that may be difficult if more than a few are gathered. If you are able, connect a separate camera to let us see all of the children in the room. You can even connect your computer to your TV to watch us, and use a separate phone or camera for us to see you.
To hear us:
Your computer or TV speakers will probably work great. If you can connect extra speakers, even better.
For us to hear you:
Your computer or phone probably have a microphone, but the room noise sometimes makes it difficult for us to hear each child. It may be best to connect a seperate microphone directly or wirelessly to the computer. A parent will be helpful to hold the microphone close to the child who is speaking.
If you have any suggestions how we can make our time together even more special, please contact Santa.